The Holidays in Edinburgh, Berlin & Vienna
Come along as Four Hundred explores the best festive cities from Edinburgh, Berlin to Vienna!
From 16th Century streets and an iconic castle where history comes to life, to luxury high-end shopping and world-class restaurants. Check into Gleneagles Townhouse. Once a former bank Gleneagles Townhouse has been under renovation since 2017 for her grand opening in June 2022. Embracing the building’s heritage and listed building status, interiors marry timeless charm with all of today’s necessities in each of the hotel’s 33 rooms and suites. Each guestroom will be totally unique in its own way, individual in size, orientation and ceiling height – with star suites overlooking St. Andrew Square. Throughout the Townhouse, original fireplaces and paneling have been reimagined with fresh colors whilst maintaining their authentic features, a former bank vault is found within the Wellness area of the building. Modern artwork curated by local Scottish artists complements antique lighting, ornate cornicing, stone columns, ornamental gold details, original vaults and floor tiles. Gleneagles Townhouse will transform this festive season. Expect magnificent decorations and special touches with a nod to the festivities sprinkled in every corner.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a world-renowned affair and, as guests of Gleneagles Townhouse, you’ll never be far away from the festivities. Located just a 5 minutes’ stroll away from the hotel and members’ club, you can find a whole host of food and market stalls, playful rides and activities for big kids (and wee ones). For those wishing to spend Christmas in the capital, Townhouse’s all-day dining restaurant – The Spence – features a festive menu that encompasses traditional culinary masterpieces from the must-have roast turkey, and sumptuous pork stuffing accompanied by exquisitely glazed pigs in blankets to the marvelously tender, yet crispy on the outside, beef Wellington every bite will taste like Christmas wrapped in a parcel. And let's not forget dessert… indulge in classics like Christmas pudding with warm Bailey’s sauce or if you’re still in the mood for savory, graze upon a fine selection of Scottish cheeses. Enjoy your meal with a specially curated cocktail for the season – the Townhouse team’s boozy twist on a hot chocolate is not to be missed!
Housed in a historic 19th-century building which was the former headquarters for Erste Group Bank AG, Rosewood Vienna has a storied history. The four buildings in their current form were designed and constructed from 1835 until 1838 by architect Alois Pichl. The beautiful façade of the then head office of what was then the “Erste Österreichische Spar-Casse,” demonstrates a bare and pure design typical of classical architecture that has elevated Vienna’s city center to a UNESCO World Heritage.
Ideally situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town, Rosewood Vienna is located just steps away from the city’s most luxurious shopping and dining and its most famous historical sites, including the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and the Vienna State Opera.
Many of the suites at Rosewood Vienna have a unique view of the Hofburg or of the Viennese cathedral; our location provides unique sights into the most magnificent and emblematic historical monuments. A similar view can be seen from the unique Spa Lounge, that provides the most glorious views to the dome of St. Peter’s and the spire of St. Stephens.
There are 6 amazing Christmas markets in Vienna! The air here is heavy with the fragrance of enticing things. Of punch, mulled wine, tea, cookies, and roasted almonds. The Viennese Christmas markets radiate an unmistakable charm.
Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn
Art Advent on Karlsplatz
Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung
Christmas Village on the University Campus
Christmas Market on Spittelberg
Viennese Christmas Market on Rathausplatz
Located on historic Bebelplatz, Hotel de Rome is one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in Berlin. Once the headquarters of the esteemed 19th century Dresden Bank, it’s a place where heritage and stylish modernity meet. Step through the impressive stone entranceway, with its grand Atelier Prométhée magenta urns and Olivia Steele’s neon birdcage, and you’ll immediately be met by a sense of glamour. And after dark, watch the Berlin skyline light up while sipping cocktails on the Rooftop Terrace. When you’re finally ready for bed, retreat to your supremely comfortable suite and sink into a sumptuous king-sized bed. Blending heritage design with elegant contemporary furnishings, you can’t think of a better place to drift off to sleep in the heart of Berlin.
The Christmas Market is an impressive atmosphere with extraordinary stalls and traditional craftsmanship! For good reason the Christmas Magic at the Gendarmenmarkt with its characteristic stalls with white bonnets is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin. Here you will find a Christmassy mixture of art, culinary delights, old handicrafts as well as shows and animation.
Do not forget to cozy up for afternoon tea at the hotel! From the classic incarnation, enriched with our menu of 30 fine teas, to our signature twists, offering Perrier Jouët Brut alongside your petit fours, sweet candies and finger sandwiches, this is an event to be savored.
Hotel de Rome Insider Tips:
BEST BRATWURST Christmas Magic at Gendarmenmarkt
EXTRAORDINARY GIFTS Weihnachtsrodeo Design Market
Must see the Christmas Garden at Berlin Botanical Garden
Fancy food at Heissa Holzmarkt
Contributor — Helen Himebaugh